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President Yoweri Museveni
Who We Are
An astonishing political transformation has taken place around the world over the past three decades. Today, a majority of countries in Africa are ‘electoral democracies’. Even in North Africa, a region that long seemed immune to democratisation, is in the midst of some changes. In country after country, people have risked their lives to call for free elections, and in 2020/2021 elections will be held in all but 4 countries since. Yes, there is a lot more to democracy than elections — but elections are among its most visible elements, and they have become almost universal.
Elections hold tremendous promise to deepen the quality of democratic elections should command attention and priority.
Our Goal
The overarching objective of the unit is to assist the AU and its Members to achieve its objective of an Africa that respect democratic governance, rule of law and increased and effective political participation for all.
We are committed to supporting the AU, its Members, active citizens and engaged civil society and political organizations to achieve a more peaceful, democratic Africa. We support democratic elections and assist in strengthening participatory democracy, consistent with human rights values and standards, as enumerated in the Constitutive Act and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. By developing and using new knowledge, tools, and approaches, we change people’s lives and improve the chances for democracy and governance to take root in Africa.
Our Vision
An African continent where democratic governance, human rights and citizen participation are upheld in a peaceful environment.
Our Mission
Working through a regional network of partnerships, we work to support democratic institutions in Africa through citizen participation, openness and accountability at the AU and within AU Member States. Our overarching mission is to assist the AU and AU Member States advance democracy as a 2063 objective, and a stimulus of peace and security. AU Watch strives for excellence in the promotion of credible elections, citizen participation, and strong political institutions for sustainable democracy in Africa.